260.563.5258
COVID-19 Disaster Assistance & Resources
Grow Wabash County is in regular contact with leaders at the city, county and state level to receive and share the most up to date information regarding COVID-19. We want to be a point of guidance for those looking for direction in how to protect themselves and their employees, how to keep their business afloat and how to be a helping hand to other people and places in our community that need our support during this challenging time.
Please check this page often for change and updates as this situation develops further and be sure to sign up HERE to get regular email updates from Grow Wabash County.
Directory
Government Updates
Business Resources
Reopening Indiana
Small Business Restart Fund
Critical Industries Hotline
Health & Safety in the Workplace
Financing
Grow Wabash County
Wabash Marketplace
SBA Disaster Loan Assistance
Regional
State
Next Level Jobs Program
COVID Concierge Portal
Association of Indiana Municipalities (AIM)
Indiana Chamber of Commerce
National
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Federal
Informational Resources
Individual Resources
2-1-1 Resource Line
Vaccines
Your Next Step
COVID-19 Assistance Program (CFWC)
Stay Healthy
Food
SNAP Benefits
Food Pantries
Housing Assistance
Utilities
Internet Access
Income Assistance
U.S. Department of Labor
Applying for Unemployment
Unemployment FAQ Fact Sheets
Mental Health
Be Well Indiana
The Bowen Center
How You Can Help
Mask Up Hoosiers
Hoosier Hospitality Promise
Shop Local
Government Updates
Tuesday, 8/24: Drive-Thru COVID testing, vaccines to take place in Wabash
In a press release from the City of Wabash published on Monday, Aug. 23, Mayor Scott Long and the Wabash County Health Department announced that drive-thru COVID tests and vaccines will be made available to Wabash County residents from Monday, August 30 through Wednesday, September 1, from noon - 8 p.m. daily.
The drive-thru services will take place at the Wabash City Police Department. The City encourages all people willing to be proactive in the fight against the COVID-19 Delate variant to get tested/vaccinated.
Tuesday, 3/16: Vaccines open to Hoosiers 45 years and older
As of Tuesday, March 16, the State of Indiana has agreed to expand vaccine access to now include Hoosiers that are aged 45 years and older. The vaccine clinic continues to be hosted in Wabash County by the Honeywell Center, 275 West Market Street in Wabash.
To register for a time slot to be vaccinated, Hoosiers can visit www.vaccine.coronavirus.in.gov.
Wednesday, 3/10: President Biden signs third COVID-19 stimulus package
After passing by a narrow majority in the United States Senate, the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 was signed by President Joe Biden. This third round of support in response to the ongoing needs of Americans one year after the COVID-19 pandemic hit includes $1,400 stimulus checks to Americans as well as increased payments for dependents and unemployment insurance. Student loans are also being kept in forbearance until Fall 2021 as part of this package.
For additional information and FAQ's regarding stimulus payments, visit the IRS' Economic Impact Payments page.
Monday, 2/1: Vaccines open to residents 65 and older, clinic moves to Legacy Hall
As of Monday, Feb. 1, access to the COVID-19 vaccine has been expanded to residents aged 65 and older. In anticipation of the potential influx of registrants getting vaccinated, the vaccine clinic has been relocated to Legacy Hall in the Honeywell Center, 275 West Market Street.
Registration can be done at www.vaccine.coronavirus.in.gov or by calling 211. Questions can be directed to Wabash City Hall at 260-563-4171.
Wednesday, 1/13: Wabash County Museum to host vaccine clinic
As COVID-19 vaccines become increasingly available, the Wabash County Museum has stepped up to provide their facility to house the administering of vaccines to Wabash County residents. The clinic will be open on Thursdays from 1-7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and accessible through the east door parking lot.
Walk-ins will not be accepted for these vaccines. A reservation must be made on the Vaccine Program page or by calling 211 beforehand,
Currently, vaccines are available to health care workers, first responders (EMS, Law Enforcement, etc.), and Hoosiers over the age of 70 years old.
Download the archived COVID-19 Updates from March - December 2020.
Business Resources
Reopening Indiana
In light of COVID-19 numbers dropping and access to vaccines growing, Gov. Eric Holcomb announced in November that Indiana was no longer adhering by the numerical Back on Track stages for the state, instead opting to determine opening stages by county.
RED counties will be required to limit capacity at events (indoor or outdoor) to no more than 25 people without exception
ORANGE counties will be required to limit capacity at events (indoor or outdoor) to no more than 50 people without exception
YELLOW counties will be required to limit capacity at events (indoor or outdoor) to no more than 100 people without exception
BLUE counties will be required to limit capacity at events (indoor or outdoor) to no more than 250 people
Additional information regarding each opening stage and the criteria for each stage can be found on the ISDH COVID-19 Dashboard which updates weekly with county scores.
NOTE: Regardless of a county's color-coded status, the statewide mask mandate is still in place as of March 17, 2021 and masks are still expected to be worn in public spaces and businesses until otherwise stated by the Indiana State Department of Health.
Small Business Restart Fund
Gov. Holcomb has approved $30 million in federal funding for small business restart grants, to help accelerate the speed of economic recovery in the state. The grants will help small businesses by providing working capital to cover certain expenses related to the global pandemic.
Eligible Indiana small businesses can seek reimbursement for up to 80% of qualified expenses, such as rent/mortgage payments, utilities, lease payments for real or personal property, and safety investments, such as personal protective equipment (PPE) and infrastructure improvements.
Eligibility requirements:
- Business must be registered to operate in Indiana
- Business must have had less than 50 employees at of 12/31/2019
- Business must have had less than $5 million in revenue in 2019
- Business must have been profitable in 2019
- Businesses must demonstrate a monthly revenue loss of at least 40% compared to pre-COVID-19 revenues
- Business must not have used funding from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), or Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Small businesses that meet the eligibility requirements can be awarded up to $2,500 or up to $5,000 for each month in which the business demonstrates a revenue loss of at least 40 percent or of at least 80 percent, respectively, with grants issued up to $10,000 per company. Of the $30 million allocated to the fund, at least $5 million will be reserved for certified minority- and women-owned businesses.
To better prepare the necessary information for the application, small business are encouraged to ready the following documentation:
- 2019 State of Indiana Tax Return
- Monthly Profit and Loss Statement (2019 and 2020)
- Form 1040, Schedule C (if sole proprietorship)
- Expense documentation if planning to use funding for:
- Copy of paid mortgage statement or lease agreement
- Copy of paid utility bills
- Lease payment receipts for real or personal property
- Receipt for safety improvements/PPE
Businesses needing assistance compiling this documentation can contact the Wabash County SBDC rep, Wes Shie, shiew@pfw.edu or 260.481.0500 for guidance.
Critical Industries Hotline
The State of Indiana has launched a call center specifically to answer business- and industry-related questions about COVID-19 from Indiana businesses and employers.
To connect with the Critical Industries Hotline, call 877-820-0890 or email covidresponse@iedc.in.gov.
REMINDER: This hotline is specifically for business and industry leaders. Those looking for answers to questions regarding unemployment or personal concerns can be directed to the state's FAQ page.
Health & Safety in the Workplace
As people go back to work amidst COVID-19, it is important to ensure that your employees and customers are safe and healthy in the workplace. The Centers for Disease Control have many recommendations on how to promote safe working practices for all industries and workplaces.
Workers should maintain at least 6 feet of distance from others at all times, including on breaks.
- Limit facility access only to essential workers.
- If meetings must be held, such as at shift changes, break them into smaller groups instead of holding a larger meeting. Eliminate non-essential meetings.
- Encourage single-file movement with a 6-foot distance between each worker through the facility, where possible.
- Designate workers to monitor and facilitate distancing on production or assembly line floors.
- Stagger break times, arrival and departure times to avoid congregations of workers in parking areas, locker rooms, and near time clocks.
Give employees enough time to wash and dry their hands, and provide accessible sinks, soap, water, and a way to dry their hands.
- Provide alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not immediately available.
- Place hand sanitizers in multiple locations to encourage hand hygiene. If possible, choose hand sanitizer stations that are touch-free.
- Consider other workplace programs to promote personal hygiene, such as:
- Build in additional short breaks into staff schedules to increase how often staff can wash their hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol.
Cloth face coverings may be especially important when social distancing is not possible or feasible based on working conditions.
Cloth face coverings can prevent the wearer from spreading COVID-19 to others, but they may not always be appropriate. Employees should consider using an alternative under certain conditions at work, including:
- If they have trouble breathing.
- If they are unable to remove it without help.
- If it interferes with vision, glasses, or eye protection.
- If straps, strings, or other parts of the covering could get caught in equipment.
- If other work hazards associated with wearing the covering are identified and cannot be addressed without removal of the face covering.
Cloth face coverings should not be worn if their use creates a new risk (e.g., interferes with driving or vision, contributes to heat-related illness) that exceeds their benefit of slowing the spread of the virus.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) suggests that an employee wear a face shield if a cloth face covering is recommended but the employee cannot tolerate wearing a cloth face covering. If used, a face shield should cover the entire front and sides of the face and extend below the chin.
For more information about how to protect your employees and customers, visit the CDC Workplace and Business Webpage.
Financing
Grow Wabash County
Revolving Loan Fund program
Get more information about the loans and how to apply by visiting Grow Wabash County's Revolving Loan Fund page.
SBA Loan Assistance
SBA Express Bridge Loans
The Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 with less paperwork. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be a term loans or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan.
If a small business has an urgent need for cash while waiting for decision and disbursement on Economic Injury Disaster Loan, they may qualify for an SBA Express Disaster Bridge Loan.
Terms are for up to $25,000 with a fast turnaround. This bridge loan ill be repaid in full or in part by proceeds from the EIDL loan
Find an Express Bridge Loan Lender via SBA’s Lender Match Tool or by connecting with your local SBA District Office.
Small Business Interruption Loans
The Small Business Interruption Loan program will be conducted as part of the 7(a) Loan program, with the same qualifications for businesses. To qualify, on average in the last three years, a business must have less than 500 employees and bring in less than $7.5 million in revenue. However, non-profit organizations may also qualify for Small Business Interruption Loans.
Loans of up to $10 million can be taken and used for a wide array of expenses including payroll support, mortgage payments, and other debt obligations. These loans do not have borrower or lender fees, and they are 100 percent government guaranteed. Loan repayment is deferred for up to one year.
All Small Business Interruption Loans are eligible for forgiveness in an amount equal to the payroll cost and costs related to debt obligations for the period of March 1, 2020 through June 30, 2020. The amount of the loan eligible for forgiveness will be reduced proportionally the number of employees laid off during this period relative to the borrowers prior employment levels.
Additional Resources
Businesses looking for additional capital may also utilize the SBA's Lender Match online referral tool to connect with SBA-approved lenders.
Other resources made available through the SBA include Counseling and Advisement, Contracting help and additional information pertaining to COVID-19.
Regional
Check back for future updates regarding resources from the Northeast Indiana region.
State
Indiana State Department of Agriculture
The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA), beginning Sept. 1, will seek project proposals from Indiana’s specialty crop industry for funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.
The USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program offers federal funding annually to the state departments of agriculture to support their specialty crop industries. USDA has allocated an additional $644,100 to Indiana for this program this year.
Applicants can include non-profit and for-profit organizations, governments and public or private colleges and universities. Special consideration will be given to non-traditional applicant organizations, such as local non-profit and for-profit organizations and governments. Funding will not be awarded to projects that benefit a particular commercial product, or provide a profit to a single organization, institution or individual.
Projects should explain how they will relieve an impact of COVID-19 on the specialty crop industry and identify at least one expected measurable outcome that specifically demonstrates the project’s impact on enhancing the competitiveness of eligible specialty crops. Applicants are encouraged to develop projects focused on issues such as enhancing food safety, pest and disease control, increasing organic production practices and sustainable growing methods, and developing local and regional food systems. Additional scoring points will be awarded to projects that benefit beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers.
ISDA's funding priority will focus on three main areas:
- Funding Area I: Market Enhancement
- Funding Area II: Access, Education and Training
- Funding Area III: Research
Learn more on the ISDA website.
Next Level Jobs program
Indiana's Next Level Jobs program has been extended to the end of 2020. Thanks to $50 million allocated by the CARES Act for this program, Hoosiers can apply for funding to level up their skills, receive job training or to develop their own skill training programs to elevate the community's workforce.
Learn more about the Next Level Jobs programs and how to apply for funding here.
COVID Concierge Portal
The Indiana Economic Development Association (IEDA) has launched the COVID Concierge Portal to compile assistance information from multiple sources into a single ‘no wrong door’ portal where business, personal, and health information can all be accessed.
This portal is meant for community leaders and organizations to use when connecting clients to the resources they need.
Association of Indiana Municipalities (AIM)
For a general overview of the current COVID-19 situation and how to address concerns about the illness in your workplace, the Association of Indiana Muncipalities (AIM) has collected helpful links and resources to help answer your questions.
Indiana Chamber of Commerce
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce has a comprehensive Coronavirus Updates page that includes resources for Indiana business owners looking for guidance on how to address the many concerns that arise during an economic disaster such as COVID-19.
National
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has compiled a variety of resources geared towards the business community to help them determine the best courses of action during disaster situations, including a Business Preparedness Checklist to determine what employers and companies need to do to handle challenging times like this head-on.
Resilience in a Box
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, in partnership with the UPS Foundation, the World Economic Forum, and Disaster Resistant Business Workgroup, have compiled resources and information that share best practices and help business owners prepare for disasters such as COVID-19 and how to weather the storm of those disasters.
With checklists, workbooks and advanced toolkit materials, Resilience in a Box, will help our business community survive difficult times such as this one.
Learn more about these resilience tools by visiting: www.uschamberfoundation.org/resilience-box.
Federal
Internal Revenue Service
Employee Retention Credit
Some businesses may be eligible for the Employee Retention Tax Credit.
Employers, including tax-exempt organizations, are eligible for the credit if they operate a trade or business during calendar year 2020 and experience either:
- the full or partial suspension of the operation of their trade or business during any calendar quarter because of governmental orders limiting commerce, travel or group meetings due to COVID-19, or
- a significant decline in gross receipts.
In order to claim the new Employee Retention Credit, eligible employers must report their total qualified wages and the related health insurance costs for each quarter on their quarterly employment tax returns, which will be Form 941 for most employers, beginning with the second quarter. The credit is taken against the employer's share of Social Security tax but the excess is refundable under normal procedures.
Learn more on the IRS Website.
American Rescue Plan Act
After passing by a narrow majority in the United States Senate, the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 was signed by President Joe Biden. This third round of support in response to the ongoing needs of Americans one year after the COVID-19 pandemic hit includes $1,400 stimulus checks to Americans as well as increased payments for dependents and unemployment insurance. Student loans are also being kept in forbearance until Fall 2021 as part of this package.
For additional information and FAQ's regarding stimulus payments, visit the IRS' Economic Impact Payments page.
Informational Resources
- The Indiana Small Business Development Center is continuing to offer free business counseling and will also help businesses navigate the application process for disaster relief loans. Click here to find and contact the SBDC rep for your region.
- SCORE, a network of experienced business mentor volunteers, has updated its website to include resources and access to remote mentoring for businesses that need a little guidance facing the challenges caused by COVID-19.
- CO.Starters, a network of business supports for entrepreneurs, has published a Recovery Guide to help small businesses and entrepreneurs "reimagine and rebuild" in the wake of economic disaster. The website has information and links to multiple resources to answer your most pressing questions and put you on the path to recovery.
- Restore Your Economy has shared additional information about Economic Planning and Recovery on their website.
Roadmap to a Healthy Re-Opening
Greater Fort Wayne, Inc. has a library of useful resources and recorded webinars tailored to specific industries to help you and your business get on the right track to opening up.
Click here for the full library of webinars.
Individual Resources
This can be a stressful time for many families as parents try to balance work and caring for their child while schools remain closed, or figuring out how to make ends meet due to reduced hours at work.Wabash County has multiple resources available to give a hand up to those who may need it during these times.
The Indiana State Department of Health has published a brief overview of resources made available to Hoosiers. View that reference guide here.
Vaccines
As of Tuesday, March 16, the State of Indiana has agreed to expand vaccine access to now include Hoosiers that are aged 45 years and older. The vaccine clinic continues to be hosted in Wabash County by the Honeywell Center, 275 West Market Street in Wabash.
To register for a time slot to be vaccinated, Hoosiers can visit www.vaccine.coronavirus.in.gov.
2-1-1 Resource Line
2-1-1 is a free, confidential service that can connect Indiana residents with local resources that fit their needs. The line is operating 24/7. You can also find resources on the 2-1-1 website.
Your Next Step
As we reside in the "new normal" of post-pandemic life, you may find yourself at a crossroads of where to go next. Your Next Step is Indiana's newest "hub" to help you chart your next path. Whether you are looking for a new job, want to refine your current or new skills or need a little more support right now, Your Next Step wants to help.
The website has access to job listings, various certificate and degree programs and information about unemployment insurance, food benefits and health care.
COVID-19 Assistance Program - Community Foundation of Wabash County
The Community Foundation of Wabash County has developed the COVID-19 Assistance Program to provide short-term financial assistance to people who are out of work and are in need of support and essential employees that continue to work and are in need of childcare for their family.
The expenses covered by these grants may include:
- Rent and Utility payments
- Medical expenses
- Childcare expenses for children aged 0-12 for people that continue to work as an essential employee
Wabash County citizens who meet the above criteria can request applications for assistance by contacting REACH in North Manchester, Wabash Area Ministerial Association (WAMA), or their respective Wabash County township trustee.
The Community Foundation is also asking for donations to help support this assistance program. Those who are able and interested in donating may do so on the Community Foundation website or by mailing a check to the Community Foundation of Wabash County with "Community Foundation COVID-19 Assistance Program" included in the memo line. This contribution may also be tax-deductible.
Questions about the program or how to donate can be emailed to melissa@cfwabash.org.
Stay Healthy
Of course, the most important thing to keep in mind during this time is to keep yourself, your employees, your colleagues and your loved ones healthy and safe. The Indiana State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control have made public many recommendations to help prevent the spread of any potential illnesses.
The CDC recommends:
- Washing hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.
- Stay home if you have a fever or other flu-like symptoms, cough or cold.
- Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Regularly cleaning high-traffic and high-touch surfaces in your home or business.
- Avoid large public gatherings or high-traffic areas.
A full list of ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as well as additional information can be found at: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus or on the Indiana Department of Health website, www.in.gov/isdh.
Food
SNAP- Pandemic
On Monday, April 27, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) announced the launch of two new food assistance programs to respond to the growing need for food assistance due to COVID-19.
This will allow for the FSSA to extend benefits to families with children that receive free or reduced lunches during school, even if they previously did not qualify for those benefits. Families that have not used SNAP benefits prior will receive a new EBT card in the mail with the benefit pre-loaded onto it.
Food Pantries
Be sure to call ahead to ensure hours or days have not changed.
LaFontaine
- LaFontaine United Methodist Food Pantry, 2 W Kendall Street LaFontaine, IN, 765-981-4021
- Open Monday –Thursday, 10 a.m. - Noon
- Must be a resident of LaFontaine and Liberty Township.
- May use the pantry one time per month.
Lagro
- Lagro Community Church, 730 Main Street Lagro, IN 46941, 260-571-4639
- Open third Saturday of each month, 9 - 10 a.m.
North Manchester
- Fellowship Food Pantry, 500 N Front Street North Manchester, IN, 260-982-7127
- Open Thursdays 2 - 5 p.m.
- Manchester Meals on Wheels, 260-982-6010
Roann
- Roann Food Pantry, Roann Town Hall, 110 N Chippewa Street Roann, IN, 765-833-2100
- Open Wednesdays 2 - 4 p.m.
- Available for families within 7-mile limit of Roann
Wabash
- Friends in Service Here (F.I.S.H.), 770 ½ Hill Street Wabash, IN, 260-563-5151
- Open Tuesday – Friday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Living Well in Wabash County Community Cupboard, 239 Bond Street Wabash, IN 46992, 260-563-4475
- Open Monday and Tuesday 3 - 5:30 p.m.
- Open Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
- Will be CLOSED on Friday, April 10th in observance of Good Friday
- Area Five WIC, 1149 Cass Street Wabash, IN 46992, 260-563-4310
- Open Tuesday 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. AND 2 - 7 p.m.
- Open Wednesday 8:30 a.m. - Noon AND 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
- Open Friday 8:30 a.m. - Noon
Housing Assistance
Gov. Eric Holcomb and the State of Indiana recently announced that they would extend the moratorium on evictions and home foreclosures until August 14.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
As the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic continue to ripple across our nation, an escalating foreclosure crisis among FHA-insured borrowers is reaching a cataclysmic point impacting hundreds of thousands of borrowers. HUD understands that many homeowners may be struggling and unable to make mortgage payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you or someone you know are one of the many FHA-borrowers in communities across the country having difficulty paying your mortgage due to the pandemic, we urge you to act now. FHA’s special COVID-19 mortgage payment forbearance is currently available to FHA-insured borrowers.
There are two ways to get more information on the special COVID-19 mortgage payment forbearance:
- First, contact your mortgage servicer, the entity to which you make your mortgage payments.
- Call, email or visit the website of your mortgage servicer using the contact information on your monthly mortgage statement.
- State that you have a financial hardship due to COVID-19 and request a COVID-19 forbearance. A COVID-19 forbearance allows you to reduce or suspend your mortgage payments for a period of time.
- If you are unable to contact your mortgage servicer right now, get help from a HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agency.
- Contact a HUD-approved housing counseling agency in your local area. To find a HUD-approved agency, call (800) 569-4287, or use the online search at www.hud.gov/housingcounseling
- Explain your situation. Housing counselors are trained to assess your financial situation and explain the options available to you.
- A HUD certified housing counselor may be able to help you work with your mortgage servicer to obtain a COVID-19 forbearance.
Rental Assistance Program
The CARES Act Rental Assistance program is available for Hoosiers outside of Marion County (Marion County has its own program) that may be unable to make their rent due to lost or lowered wages because of COVID-19. The program will send payments directly to your landlord to help cover the rent during low- to no-income times while also ensuring that the landlord is able to pay for the taxes and other expenses needed to maintain the safety and upkeep of their tenants' homes.
Hoosiers concerned about making rent can learn about their options by calling 1-877-285-0401 or by visiting www.877gethope.org.
Learn more about the Rental Assistance program.
Apply for the Rental Assistance program.
Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network
Indiana is also working to help Hoosiers that are having trouble making their mortgage payments and would be at risk of foreclosure.
For more information about these options, visit the 877 Get Hope website or call 1-844-463-7368.
Read IHCDA's Coronavirus Eviction & Foreclosure Prevention Guide.
Utilities
Energy Assistance Program (EAP)
For Hoosiers that are still struggling to pay their electric bills during this pandemic, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) is still offering support through its Eanergy Assistance Program (EAP)
Through EAP, eligible households can receive a one-time annual benefit to cover the costs of energy bills to prevent disconnections of service.
Those looking to learn more about if they qualify for this support, is encouraged to visit the LIHEAP website for more information.
Internet Access
In light of workplaces going remote and students participating in E-Learning, we are aware that access to reliable, affordable internet is important. Here are a few resources to help your household get connected.
Families that meet income or government assistance requirements may qualify for discounted or low-cost internet. AllConnect can help you navigate the different options and find out what you and your family can qualify for. Visit their website here.
The National Locator Tool for Low-Cost Internet Service Offers allows people to punch in their zip code and answer questions to determine if they qualify for low-cost internet. It has been recently updated with new offers created by major providers in light of COVID-19. Click here to use the Locator Tool.
Access from AT&T : One family member must be eligible for SNAP to qualify. AT&T has also advised it will not charge data overage fees during this time.
Spectrum Internet Assist : Based on eligibility for National School Lunch program. Charter is now offering free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have service through Spectrum. To enroll, call 1-844-488-8395. Installation fees are waived. There are no data caps.
Internet Essentials from Comcast : Free to new customers. New customers will receive 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service, which is normally available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month. Data overages will not apply and Xfinity WiFi hotspots will still be open and operational for public access.
Cox Connect2Compete : For families with school-aged children who are enrolled in low-income assistance programs. For a limited time, the first month of service will be free, $9.95/month thereafter.
Lifeline : provides a subsidy to HUD-assisted residents for phone and/or Internet service.
Income Assistance
As business revenue numbers dip due to state-mandated closures or reductions in services, many employers may have to make the difficult decision to reduce hours or even decrease the size of its staff to stay afloat. This can be financially stressful for many part-time and hourly workers. If such a decision needs to be made at your business, please connect your employees with these various resources for support.
Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation
Questions regarding the unemployment insurance process can directed to the DWD's FAQ page.
U.S. Department of Labor
The Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor has an extensive list of Frequently Asked Questions for both employers and employees regarding staff shortages, job termination and other complications that may arise due to the closures and reduction of services recommended for various industries.
Applying for Unemployment
The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) allows for people who are currently out of work to apply for unemployment insurance benefits. Further information and access to online filing can be found here.
Unemployment FAQ Fact Sheets
The Indiana Department of Workforce Development has also updated its list of Frequently Asked Questions about Unemployment Insurance. Click the hyperlinks below to download the FAQ sheets. All of these FAQs and more information regarding unemployment insurance can also be found on the DWD website.
- Claimant FAQs for COVID-19 work-related issues
- Employer FAQs for COVID-19 work-related issues
- Preguntas Frecuentes Formuladas por temas relacionados con el COVID-19 para los Solicitantes
Mental Health
Be Well Indiana
The State of Indiana has launched a new website to help Hoosiers access mental health resources. BeWellIndiana.com features an assortment of information from regular updates about COVID-19 to a self-assessment to determine what sort of assistance you may need. The website also offered information about how to access crisis counseling or other state departments that could help them through this difficult time.
Bowen Center
The Bowen Center has transitioned many of its services to allow Hoosiers to access mental health services over the phone or by secure video conferencing during this time of social distancing. They also have helpful blogs and information about how to cope with the unexpected stress brought on by this pandemic.
Visit The Bowen Center website to find out how they can help you through this challenging time.
Bowen Center Student Assistance Program (SAP)
In a particularly stressful times such as this, students can have a tough time adjusting or coping. The mental health services afforded to Wabash County students while school is in session through SAP and the Bowen Center are still available for Wabash County students learning remotely.
Student looking to utilize their SAP benefits and talk with a professional counselor can do so by phone. To set up a counseling appointment, students or their parent/guardian can call 1 (800) 342-5653. More information about SAP can also be found here.
Talking about COVID-19 with kids
With a situation like this where words like "pandemic" and "disaster" are used regularly, it can be a scary, confusing things for children or students to come to terms with. The Bowen Center encourages caregivers, parents and teachers to reference "Talking With Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, and Teachers During Infectious Disease Outbreaks" from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) to learn how to navigate those conversations.
How You Can Help
Mask Up Hoosiers
Hoosier Hospitality Promise
Shop Local
Even in the face of Gov. Eric Holcomb's 'Stay At Home' Executive Order, Wabash County is still OPEN for business. Here's how you can help them stay that way:
- Order carry-out or delivery from your favorite local restaurants!
- The Paper of Wabash County recently compiled and published a list of Wabash County restaurants offering carry-out and delivery. Download the complete list here.
- Check out the Eat & Drink page on the Visit Wabash County's to find out which of your favorite spots in Wabash County are offering takeout and delivery!
- Curb-Side Pick Up is still up and running for businesses to encourage revenue and shopping local during this time. The service is free for businesses through Wabash Marketplace. Register here.
- Buy gift cards! A lot of our businesses will be hit hard by low revenue and minimal traffic due to the State's 'Stay At Home" recommendations. Get a jump start on buying gifts for birthdays, holidays or "just because" while also supporting your favorite local businesses through this difficult time.
